Rash'Tor'Ri (Soulguard Book 4), page 15
"Damn, I need to give that some serious thought. I'm gettin' a little old for this shit, myself."
"You'd be welcome."
"Thanks."
"So what is it that you need to talk about?"
He reached into his pocket and held a ring out to me.
"I'm touched, Sully, but I'm already spoken for."
"Asshole. I've been a Marine for a long time, Rourke, and I never married because it wasn't fair to leave someone back home wonderin' if I'll make it back. Then along comes Andrea. The fact that she's followin' you around always has me wonderin' if she'll come back. Not because of you but where you guys have to go. I'm used to me bein' in the shit all the time."
"What do you wanna know?"
"If I were to ask her, would she be like I was and refuse. If you think she would be prone to run if I ask I won't ask."
"Six years ago, I'd have said she would run. Now, I'm not so sure. I'm probably the last person you should ask. Predicting what a woman will do is not one of my strong suits. I know that in the last twelve years I never saw the woman stay with one person as long as this time. Never seen her act the way she does for any one person. I would say go for it. But if you really want an answer from someone who would probably know, ask Lyrica. She watches everyone and knows a hell of a lot more than people might think."
He nodded, "I'll do that."
"Better do it quick," I said. "We're headin' to Knoxville tomorrow."
"We're goin' with you," he returned. "Got orders to move out a few days ago. We're hitchin' a ride. From there we move out to Europe."
"They say where you'll be?"
"Italy, to begin with. Afterwards, we'll be lookin' at Germany. All subject to change if the Kresh hit."
"Make sure you're on my plane and you'll get a chance to talk to Lyrica. She said she wasn't lettin' me out of her sight. She's comin' too."
"You do tend to get in more trouble when you run off without that girl."
"It just seems that way because she bails me out when she's there to do it," I said. "We still get in the trouble."
Chapter 29
Hicks returned to his seat next to me with a grin on his face. The plane was loud but I didn't need to hear him. He'd been up near the hatch where Lyrica sat with several of the Shak'Tar, Mattie, and Trent. Lyrica grinned as I looked toward her.
"Rourke," I heard over the com, "We need you in the cockpit."
"Roger," I answered and unbuckled. I had felt the gates begin to open a little while back. There wasn't anything to be done until we got some reports. Pelin and her squad had been on the rage that tried to spring forth immediately and I was, actually, in better shape mentally than I had ever been.
"Sir," the copilot said as I entered the cockpit, "they hit Atlanta. We've got some footage if you want to see it."
He held a tablet out to me. I took it and started watching.
Pausing the report, I said, "I need to take this in the back and figure what we're gonna do. Change course toward Atlanta. Have there been any more reports?"
"I heard chatter of Baltimore, New York, and Pittsburgh, but there's no confirmation yet."
"Then Atlanta it is. Patch me in to the other plane."
"Yes sir."
"Get me Rostov."
I started toward the back and paused as Rostov's voice sounded in my earpiece, "Copy Soullord One."
"They hit Atlanta and I'm changing course to support. I need you guys to continue toward Knoxville. There's chatter of New York, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. As soon as you get a confirmation, change course and use your best judgement as to which target to aim for."
"Most of your squad is over here," he said.
"I know. I have the Marines, Shak'Tar, forty Mages, and Lyrica. We're good. Reinforce where you feel like you're needed the most."
"It will be done."
I continued toward the back of the plane where Hicks was already heading toward me. Lyrica and Pelin joined us. I pointed at Autumn Richarz, the ranking Mage who was on her way to take command of the outpost in Knoxville. She joined us. I placed the tablet on the seat in front of us and started it back up.
The Kresh poured up the interstate system from the South into the center of Atlanta. The first group of cars had plowed into their ranks at nearly a hundred miles per hour. Atlanta drivers were all crazy, anyway. Bumper to bumper traffic running eighty and ninety miles per hour. The Kresh hit the interstate and it hit back. But it ground to a halt pretty quickly. Kresh ripped cars apart and killed any they could reach. The people behind those had vacated their vehicles and ran off the roads toward the buildings. It was ordered pandemonium. Atlanta had been hit when the Kresh were trying to distract us before Second Kansas. They had drummed the emergency plan into everyone from that day on. Get off the roads. Get out of sight.
It was pretty bad. The Kresh kept plowing forward killing where they could. Their goal seemed to be further north. They weren't spreading out in every direction like they had done the last time. The footage we were seeing came from a helicopter that was above the horde of Kresh. The image jerked to the north as a couple of vehicles thundered down the southbound lane through the empty cars. The National Guard had fitted a pair of tractor trailers with armor and a huge wedge shaped guard on the front.
"Holy shit, those are cool," Lyrica said.
Cars flipped sideways from the trucks and left a relatively clear interstate behind them. Armored Humvees with a variety of weapons followed the trucks. Some had Source cannons, some with fifty caliber guns, others just had men with guns. The Northbound lane had more Humvees and a couple of pickups with Source cannons mounted in the back of them.
"Is that friggin' Darth Vader?" Hicks asked.
"Hellboy is on the cannon in the second truck," I said.
"There is a huge Sci-Fi convention going on this weekend," Trent said as he joined us.
"How would you even know that?" I asked. "You always hated Sci-Fi."
"They asked if I would come make an appearance."
"What?"
"A few years ago, we were Sci-Fi, Boss."
"Hmmm… I guess."
"You're just mad they didn't ask you."
"Hmmmpf."
"Told you he'd get mad," Trent said to Lyrica.
She laughed.
My eyes were drawn back to the report. The Trucks had stopped and the tops of the trailers flipped back as Source cannons rose from inside and opened fire. The Humvees spread out and fired, as did the Comic Book Militia.
"We're on approach, Sir." My coms sounded.
"Ok," I answered, "Richarz, take your Mages and Source chute the Marines down on top of these four buildings."
I had paused the display and pointed out the buildings. "Make sure they have enough folks to imbue the guns and then join us."
"I want ten Mages to accompany Lyrica and I. Pelin I want your folks on this building here," I pointed. "I need you guys for the other thing not fighting. Trent, Mattie, you're with us. We're gonna give those bastards a reason to quit pushing our guys north."
"What you have in mind?" Hicks asked.
I smiled and Trent groaned, "Do you really have to ask?"
Hicks grinned back, "Give em hell."
"Lyrica and I are out first. We'll do a combat drop. You others use chutes and join us. Pilot, let those boys down there know they're getting reinforcements."
The door on the back of the plane opened.
I placed the thong on my swords in their scabbards to keep them from falling out, and headed toward the opening ramp, Lyrica by my side.
"Remember to use your shields this time," she said as the light turned green and we dove out.
I closed my eyes and focused on the ground below. Our boys were holding out but they were in some serious trouble. I Pulled and channeled it out a shield conspicuously shaped like a rocket, and with a scream of joy sped downward. There's nothing quite like a combat drop.
Chapter 30
Jinx felt a tap on his shoulder, "Can I get your picture?"
"Sure thing, Kid," he answered in the gruffest voice he could manage.
He turned around and put the unlit half smoked cigar in his mouth and smiled.
"That's the best Hellboy costume I ever saw at a con," the teenager said.
"Thanks, Kid."
The two teenagers continued on their way and PFC Jinx Webb continued toward the spot he'd been angling for from the time he had arrived at the Convention Center. He saw the trucks in the back. One of the more successful writers he had heard of had bought a couple of Source weapons and had them on display. Gary Cortina was leaning against the first truck as a couple of guys took pictures.
"Yo, Dodge!" Jinx yelled as Darth Vader walked out of the row to his left. "Come here!"
Lance Corporal Frank Dodge, AKA Darth Vader, saw him and hurried over.
"Jinx…I am your father…and your mother is so good at this thing we like to do where she uses her tongue…"
"My mom would kick your ass, Dodge."
He paused for a second and nodded, "You're probably right."
"I know I'm right."
"Let's get one of Gary's books so he can sign it," Jinx said. "Plus I'd like to see if these guns Rourke sells to the public are the same as ours."
"I bet they are," Dodge returned.
"I wouldn't doubt it," he said. "Despite what some people think, Rourke always seemed like a straight shooter to me."
"Me, too."
There were several people in line to have books signed and get pictures so the two of them stepped in behind a couple of guys in Mandalorian armor. The line moved slowly but it wasn't a problem. Gary was talking to each person as they came through, which spoke well to his character. He was a friendly guy.
"What can I do for you two?" Gary asked as they stepped forward. "That's a hell of a costume. I don't think I've seen anyone do Hellboy anywhere near that well."
"We have a guy in our squad that used to be one of those body artists," Jinx said. "He designed it for me."
"I thought you two might be Military," he said. "Marines would be my first guess but the National Guards are looking more and more like Marines these days."
"There was a time that would piss a guy off," Dodge said. "But those days left when the Demons hit us on our own soil."
"Off duty Marines, then."
Jinx smiled, "Marines are never off duty."
Gary laughed, "What can I get you fellows?"
"Thought I might get a hardback of your first series signed," Jinx said. "I've read them all but only have paperbacks."
"We can do that," Gary said and reached into a box. "So who do I make it out to?"
"PFC Jinx Webb."
"Bet you catch a lot of grief over that one."
"They're the ones who gave me the nickname."
He laughed again.
"Let me ask you a question," he said. "Are you qualified on the Source weapons?"
"Sure am," Jinx answered. "So is Dodge here."
"The saddest thing I've found is that I'm part of the percentage of people who can't use the things," Gary said. "I bought both of the cannons on the trucks and several of the one man weapons. I love to see them in action, but I can't fire one myself."
"It's a hell of a rush," Jinx said. "Do you mind if we take a look at them? How did you manage to even bring them here?"
"Gun laws are pretty specific about transporting guns and ammo but these don't have ammo, so we can haul them due to a technicality. They aren't enforcing the gun laws as much anymore, anyway."
"That makes sense," Dodge said. "I'd want everyone to be armed, these days. Never know when the Kresh are gonna drop back in on us. After the thing in Kansas last month, there's no telling what they're gonna do."
"True," Gary returned. "Let's go take a look."
Gary stood up and they followed him to the first truck, a newer model GMC. Jinx looked into the bed to see the whole thing was a steel plate.
"I was wondering how you had them mounted," he said. "Looks completely functional."
"Oh, it is. The plate is welded to the frame which has been reinforced. Along with the springs, of course. It's got the Duramax diesel engine and the horsepower to haul the thing. The other truck is a Dodge with the same reinforcements."
"Sweet," Jinx said.
"This is one of Rourke's new models with the three hundred and sixty degree swivel mount."
"Nice," Jinx nodded. "I just tested on one of these last week. Looks like he didn't cut any corners for private buyers either."
"His partner assured me that they shipped the same to everyone."
"Make sure you never use it on a person," Jinx said. "That contract isn't just for show. You target people and the whole thing fries from the inside."
"I remember signing the contract to never use it on Humans."
"It's enforced," Dodge said. "Even if you could get past the programming and do it, you still gotta face Rourke, if he finds out. That's one scary son of a bitch."
"I've seen the footage."
"It doesn't really do him justice, if our Sergeant isn't bullshitting us," Dodge said. "He was in Egypt. He said the guy is something else. He said Rourke's girl, Jayne is even more terrifying. For a Marine Sergeant to say anything is terrifying means something."
"You know this model wasn't made for a vehicle, don't you?" Jinx asked.
"I talked to the engineers when I bought it," Gary answered. "The head engineer said they are a wall mount gun but with the proper weight system it could be mounted in a truck. He started drawing everything out on a napkin. I had to stop him and see if he would get me a schematic on how to do it. Both trucks work well."
Jinx chuckled, "If Rourke ever sees it we'll have 'em all over the place. The guard has some mounted on vehicles but they're smaller."
"Damn, Jinx, I wanna shoot one of these," Dodge laughed.
"Me too."
"Might be able to set that up after the convention," Gary said. "Let me get your information and I'll get in touch."
"That would be awesome," Jinx answered.
One of the other authors ran up to Gary, "You have to see this, Corvina."
He handed him a tablet and Gary's face paled, "They're here. That's I-75."
Then the horns across Atlanta began to scream. They were installed after the first time the Kresh hit Atlanta. Much like air raid sirens, they went off when a definite raid was in progress.
"You guys really want to fire the guns?" Gary turned to Jinx and Dodge. "Here's your chance."
"Hell yeah," Jinx answered.
"If we get to the National Guard base we can follow them out to meet 'em," Dodge said. "Jinx, you're the gunner, I'll drive."
"We have two trucks," Gary said. "I'll drive one. What do you say, John?"
The other author grinned and ran for the Dodge.
"A Dodge deserves a Dodge," Dodge said and jumped up in the back to climb into the operator's chair. The helmet was on the seat and his Darth Vader helmet hit the floor.
Jinx jumped in the back of the Chevy and pulled the horn stubs from his costume off. The gunner's helmet slipped easily onto his head and he strapped it down with the chin strap.
The com system went live as the helmet seated. Corvina slipped a helmet on his head, as did John. Their coms were live as well and they could all hear the military chatter of the Guards as they were loading up for an assault.
"Attention, National Guard units," Corvina said. "I have two Source cannons on trucks coming your direction. Please inform where you want them placed."
"Go to channel twenty three, please." A voice returned, "Terry! Get these guys information and let's figure where to put 'em!"
The trucks fired up and John pointed his at the loading docks. There was one with a ramp but the door was closed.
"Open the damn door!" He yelled at the convention guard near the door.
The guard shook his head and Dodge swiveled the cannon around to point at the door. The guard's eyes widened and he slammed his palm on the button that raised the door.
"Hold on, Marines!" John said over the coms. "This is gonna be a bumpy ride!"
The truck shot down the ramp and turned left. Gary followed right behind him. The roads were crowded with empty cars. One of the first rules when a raid siren goes off is to stop, leave the vehicle and get inside the nearest building. The Kresh focused on the streets last time before attacking buildings and the National Guards and Soulguard would need the streets to meet them in. Most of the roads had a single lane designated for military use after the first attack and John slammed through several empty cars to plow his way to the Military lane. Then he floored it.
"Those steel bumpers make sense now," Dodge said with a grin.
"Part of the counter weight but useful for certain other things as well," Gary said.
Up ahead of them was a car in the lane.
"That’s a nice Beemer," Dodge said.
"Be a shame if somethin' were to happen to it," answered John as he plowed through between it and the other lane. The BMW died with a loud crunch sound. They could hear John chuckling as the Dodge kept going.
Surprisingly, there were very few vehicles out in the military lane. They neared the National Guard base just as two armored semi trucks plowed through the empty cars to reach the military lane. Behind them came twenty Humvees with smaller Source cannons mounted in the backs. Several of the Guards did the double take looks as they saw the two wall cannons approaching. Jinx saw the familiar black armor of the Soulguard as a group of them launched themselves over cars and shot down the street at high speed.
The two trucks fell in line behind the Humvees.
Chapter 31
I watched the fight below as Lyrica and I closed in. The first armored truck had been swarmed and the second was in bad shape. It had turned and started rolling but the Kresh were right on top of it. One of the trucks fired across the span between the lanes and cleared a section to give the truck some time to get moving. All of the Humvees were rolling with their guns pointed back into the Kresh. The two trucks were doing the same.
